I rose at 7:30 am, preparing for the day ahead. The primary agenda was settling the credit card deposit at Wicked Campers, with fingers crossed for success this time. Postponing my shower until my return, I hastily grabbed a bite to eat. Utilizing groceries purchased from Coles the day before, I fashioned a quick breakfast of two slices of bread with tuna spread, mindful of finishing it as I wouldn’t have a refrigerator in the car. By 9 am, I reached Wicked Campers, where the welcoming man from the previous day greeted me with a friendly smile.
Back to Wicked Campers
“Ready for another attempt, Maarten?” he asked with enthusiasm. Despite his friendliness, I felt a twinge of shame for forgetting his name. Determined, I thought, “This time, my credit card deposit at Wicked Campers will work.” Placing the credit card into the payment device, he entered the amount of 3900 AUD, only to face another decline. Frustrated and agitated, I let out a Dutch curse, ‘Godverdomme!’
After a day of contemplation, I devised an alternative solution. “What if I split the 3000 AUD over two credit cards and pay the remaining 900 AUD in cash?” I suggested. The man explained that it wasn’t possible due to Wicked Campers’ policy but offered a solution—I could purchase another prepaid credit card in Cairns Central. Without hesitation, I headed there promptly.
I started by purchasing a frozen coke, contemplating the proposed solution. My preference was for my existing credit card to function without the need for an additional one. The woman on the phone last night assured me it would work, mentioning an email with an acceptance button. However, the promised email never arrived. After waiting several hours for the elusive email, I resolved to visit the Travelex office in Cairns Central mall. Although the card could be used globally, I was not thrilled about its currency being in Australian dollars.
A Prepaid Travelex Credit Card
In the afternoon, I acquired the card and loaded it with funds. Year after year, I strolled past a Travelex office at Amsterdam Central, pondering its existence, as it seemed scarcely frequented. Yet, here I found myself, in an ironic twist. Within the compact office, I incurred approximately 60 AUD in currency fees. Utilizing both my bank credit card and prepaid Skrill credit card, I charged the Travelex card with Australian dollars. However, both cards had already reached their maximum daily limit, adding to the constraints I faced.
Now, I had to settle the car rental payment (900 AUD) in cash. Counting my money, I realized that after the payment, I would be left with only 50 AUD for the day. This marked an unprecedented level of financial constraint for me, compelling me to withdraw money again the next day. Returning to Wicked Campers to complete the credit card deposit and settle the remaining payment, the new Travelex credit card functioned seamlessly.
The relief washed over me as the security payment finally went through. Subsequently, I covered the remaining 900 AUD for the rent, completing the transaction. An increasing sense of excitement surged within me, anticipating the forthcoming adventure. I informed the man at Wicked Campers that I intended to pick up my car early in the morning, to which he agreed. Tomorrow, he would provide me with the specifics about the car.
Wicked Campers is Great!
Subsequently, he delivered some uplifting news. Initially, I had made reservations for a standard station wagon (locked in at a rate of 22.74 AUD per day under the category ‘Damn Cheap Classic Cars’) at Wicked Campers. However, the man informed me that I was assigned the Toyota Corolla. Back at home, I had desired this car due to its inclusion of air conditioning, a rooftop tent, and its cost-effectiveness in terms of fuel consumption. Opting for the Corolla incurred an additional charge of 5 AUD per day. Regrettably, my decision-making delay had cost me this preferred option a few days ago. But now, luck was on my side – the car I aspired to have was available at an affordable rate, and there was more to the story.
In the rear of the car, an array of camping gear was neatly stowed away— a cooling box, a table, two chairs, a cooker, various cutlery, plates, and three pans. My spirits soared, thinking, ‘This is fantastic!’ As I walked back to the hostel, my excitement mounted at the thought of departing Cairns. ‘Finally, I’m going to explore Australia,’ echoed in my mind. Upon reaching the hostel, I discovered that Daniel and Jonas had already departed. I eagerly shared the good news with Moni.
Moni, a German girl I had met in my dorm room the previous day, expressed interest in joining me on my road trip as she needed to head to Townsville. Explaining that my route would initially go north before turning south to Townsville, she agreed as long as we could arrive there by Saturday. Satisfied with the plan, she joined me. Later in the afternoon, I returned to Cairns Central for a drink and attempted another withdrawal, which unfortunately failed. Determining to try again tomorrow, I realized I needed to purchase various essentials such as a small mat for sleeping, a sim card for my phone, a dish towel, and some food.
Barbecue and Drinks
That evening, I registered for the barbecue, a fantastic all-you-can-eat deal for just four dollars. The spread included delicious salads and various meat options. Seated next to Moni, I also struck up a conversation with Chad, an American, who shared some valuable tips with me. Grateful for his insights, I thanked him.
In the evening, I worked on some reports, and Moni invited me to join them at the bar where they had drinks for only a dollar. It sounded unbelievable, considering Australia’s reputation for being expensive. Intrigued, I decided to join. Our group, consisting of 10 people, headed to a club (whose name I later forgot). While the beers were priced at 7 AUD, the mixed drinks did indeed cost just 1 dollar.
That night, I opted for rum colas, but to my disappointment, the drinks were lighter on alcohol than they should have been. The barmaids only poured half the usual amount. While the music at the club was subpar, the girls were remarkable. I socialized with fellow travelers, and they all seemed like pleasant people. After spending two hours there, we headed back to the hostel. The drinks were enjoyable, but the club’s atmosphere didn’t suit my taste at all.
At 1 am, I showered and then realized I couldn’t find my travel towel; it was lost. Fortunately, I had my sarong from Ubud and decided to use that instead. I silently thanked the pushy saleswoman at Pura Gunung Kawi. Having the sarong was a relief, as I badly needed a shower. Afterward, I went to bed, eagerly anticipating the start of my road trip the next day!
